At 72, Queen guitarist Brian May can look back on much more than his remarkable musical accomplishments. For example, did you know that he’s also Brian May, CBE, PhD, FRAS — a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his music and charity work, a Doctor of Astrophysics, and an authority on 3-D stereoscopic photography?
In other words, a man worth listening to for more than music.
He’s also been a vegetarian for a while now, and he sees his move to try eating vegan for Veganuary as the next meaningful step in his life.
Only a little over two years ago, May said, “I wish I was a vegan. I’m a vegetarian, and I haven’t managed to make the journey to being vegan. A lot of my friends are, and I eat a lot of vegan food, but I can’t call myself a vegan.” His biggest couldn’t-give-it-up food? Cheese!
But even then, May was also saying, “I think we have dominion over every creature on this planet, [and] I don’t think we should. To me, every creature on this planet has an equal right to have a good life. We shouldn’t be abusing animals. I think we got it all wrong. We weren’t put here to be users and abusers of any other creatures on this planet. We are here to do good stuff.”
Veganuary is most definitely “good stuff,” and May is far from alone in getting on board for January 2020. He’s in good company with other celebrities including Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix, and Chris Packham.
Toni Vernelli, Veganuary’s Head of Communications, says: “Veganuary 2020 was already shaping up to be the biggest year yet, with one person currently signing up every 4 seconds! But just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the legendary Brian May is taking part and urging people to join him.”
Announcing his Veganuary signup on his Instagram account a week ago, May wrote:
“This is my announcement of intent. Starting on the first of January this coming year I will be doing Veganuary. Which means I will eat only vegan food for that month. After that, I will take a view on whether to continue or not. I’ve already got the support of some friends who are going to join me and compare notes as we go along. “My reasons? 1) To lessen the suffering of animals. 2) To lessen the load on our groaning planet. 3) For my health. And as an animal campaigner, it has been bothering me for a while that I still eat animal-derived food, [which] has caused indignity and pain to a non-human animal.”
“If any of you folks out there are hovering on the edge…and want to join me, too, I’d be delighted. We can mutually support each other!”
A generous offer from a man with much to give. VEGWORLD and so many others thank you, Brian May. For your Veganuary participation, certainly. But also for being an inspirational example of learning and growing throughout this one life we have.
